University of Michigan Sponsors African Students for The Presidential Scholars Program

Program Description

UMAPS accepts applications from faculty in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, and Uganda. Starting 2014, U-M faculty are also allowed to nominate candidates from any African country, provided they can prove a pre-existing established relationship with a University of Michigan faculty member and agree to serve as the candidate’s mentor. See the eligibility requirements for further details.

Please note: Application period is August 15 – October 15. All applications starting Summer 2015 may only be completed online using Qualtrics.

Electronic (PDF) or hard copies sent to ASC’s e-mail or postal address will not be processed or accepted.

Eligibility Requirements for ALL applicants:

Preference given to early career faculty who have taught in the higher education system for less than ten years

Applicants may or may not have received their PhD

Specific Eligibility Requirement for Applicants from:

GHANA, LIBERIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR UGANDA:

Must be a faculty member of a college or university in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa or Uganda.

Completion of online form and submission of all required supporting documents.

OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES:

Direct applications are not accepted from applicants from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa. Direct applications from applicants from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa will be disregarded

Only a U-M faculty member with a pre-existing established relationship may nominate a candidate from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa.

The Nominating U-M faculty member may submit the nominee’s application materials to the African Studies Center along with a nomination letter. Complete the nomination form and forward the nomination letter to asc-contact@umich.edu, listing “UMAPS NOMINATION” in the subject line.

Review and selection will be made by a multidisciplinary faculty committee at the University of Michigan and will be based on the following:

Academic quality of the candidate and of the proposed program of scholarship

Academic fit of the candidate with others selected in the cycle and with the areas of interest described in the Scholarly Program section below – it is our hope to facilitate scholarly networks

Support of the candidate’s home institution

Priority will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Promotion of gender equity in the current class of scholars and in the African academy will also be prioritized. Applicants who already have significant international experience will not be favored.

Award Details

African scholars will be provided with round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Scholars will receive a stipend to cover living, housing, and research expenses during their tenure at the University of Michigan

Scholars will begin their residency in late August

Each scholar will be asked to give a presentation on their work during the residency

The scholarship may be combined with other scholarships or funds to support an extended stay

It is expected that the scholar’s home institution will continue to pay the scholar’s academic salary during the duration of the fellowship.